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Methylation Disorders: Impact on Mental Health & How to Correct Imbalances
Margo Gladding on
Methylation is a biochemical process of extraordinary importance in human health. It is an epigenetic pathway by which methyl molecules (one carbon and three hydrogen atoms) are added to enzymes, hormones, neurotransmitters, as well as DNA. Methylation is like a “key” in that it turns systems on in the body. This process occurs constantly in all cells and influences a wide range of vital functions, including detoxification, gene expression, neurotransmitter production, hormone balance, immune function, energy levels, and more.
Did you know that methylation also plays an important role in influencing our innate tendencies for personality, behavior, and illnesses that can persist throughout life? One’s methyl status is established during the first few months of in-utero development. While many individuals have normal functioning methylation pathways, genetic mutations can cause abnormalities in the methylation cycle. This results in either the over- or underproduction of important neurotransmitters, which can significantly impact one’s physical and mental health, and emotional well-being.
What is a Methylation Disorder?
Individuals who do not have enough methyl groups are considered undermethylators and individuals who have too many methyl groups are overmethylators. Both can lead to anxiety and depression by impacting the production of certain neurotransmitters associated with emotional well-being – however, they require completely different nutrient therapies and diet recommendations to address the abnormalities. That's why it is extremely important to work with a skilled practitioner who is trained in understanding biochemical imbalances and individualized nutrient therapy.
Methylation Imbalances & Mental Health
According to leading nutritional mental health expert Dr. William Walsh, methylation imbalances play a critical role in most mental disorders, including anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), bipolar, and schizophrenia. In fact, about 70% of individuals with mental health disorders have a methylation imbalance. Dr. Walsh’s research shows that once you determine one’s methylation status, you can successfully correct imbalances using a combination of very targeted nutrients.
Undermethylation Symptoms & Characteristics
- Exhibit perfectionism, high accomplishment, and high achievement
- Strong willed and competitive
- Calm demeanor but high inner tension
- Tend to be doctors, lawyers, educators, secretaries, corporate executives, professional athletes, and scientists
- Benefit from SSRI medications
- Low serotonin and dopamine
- Associated with chronic depression, obsessive compulsive behaviors, autism
Overmethylation Symptoms & Characteristics
- Very creative, artistic, and musically inclined
- Tend to excel in areas of high interest but lag in other areas
- Attracted to professions or hobbies in music and the arts, theater, acting, social services or causes, and philosophy
- Adverse reactions to SSRI medications
- Elevated levels of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin
- Associated with poor sleep, high anxiety, panic, hyperactivity, bipolar disorder
Lab Testing for Methylation Status
In the past few years genetic testing has gained in popularity, so many people have become familiar with the MTHFR gene, which can affect methylation. However, having a MTHFR mutation does not automatically mean that one’s methylation is impaired. There are many genes that impact methylation (some genes reduce methylation and some increase methylation) and a person’s methyl status depends on the combined impact of all of these SNPs.
An accurate way to determine a person’s methylation status in the body is to measure their whole blood histamine, which is a biomarker in our Brain Chemistry Panel. This is because histamine levels correlate with the functionality of the methylation process. Histamine and methyl are inversely related to one another. So, if one’s whole blood histamine is low, the individual will be overmethylated (have too many methyl groups) and if it is high, they will be undermethylated (have too few methyl groups).
How to Correct a Methylation Disorder
Based on test results, the proper dosing of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids can successfully correct biochemical imbalances and improve the many challenges posed by methylation disorders. Nutrient therapies for methylation imbalances are designed to optimize neurotransmitter activity, provide epigenetic regulation of gene expression, impact reuptake processes at synapses, and provide antioxidant protection, all of which can alleviate symptoms.
However, for nutrient therapy to be effective, it is critical that the prescribed nutrients be in very specific forms and correct dosages tailored to meet the patient’s needs. Taking supplements purchased off-the-shelf can contain ingredients that can be potentially harmful if individuals have certain nutrient overloads.
Custom compounding is an ideal solution for providing personalized treatment. It allows for the creation of precise nutrient formulations, customized to each patient. And it can enhance compliance by reducing the number of daily capsules.
If you would like to learn more about methylation, specialty lab testing, and nutrient compounding, we can help! Village Green Apothecary’s team of nutrition experts is here to answer your health questions and provide you with personalized guidance. Feel free to send us an email, come in and visit, or schedule an appointment to receive one-on-one support.
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Paula Gallagher
Paula is a highly qualified and experienced nutrition counselor on the staff at Village Green.
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Margo Gladding
Margo's impressive knowledge base is the result of a unique blend of educational and professional experience.
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Dr. Neal Barnard
Dr. Barnard leads programs advocating for preventive medicine, good nutrition, and higher ethical standards in research.
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Dr. Joseph Pizzorno
Dr. Joseph Pizzorno, ND is a pioneer of integrative medicine and a leading authority on science-based natural medicine.
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Debi Silber
Debi is a registered dietitian with a master’s degree in nutrition, a personal trainer, and whole health coach.
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